Before Victoria could take another step, heavy, controlled footsteps echoed from the top of the grand wooden staircase. The front door had opened moments earlier, but no one had noticed in the heat of the loud argument. A silver-haired man in a dark pinstripe suit stepped into the hall, his face stern and cold as ice. It was Arthur Vance, Eleanor's son and the true CEO of the family business enterprise.
Arthur looked around the room, taking in the scene with a sharp, intelligent glance. He saw his frail mother trembling in her wheelchair, the brave housemaid standing like a shield in front of her, and Victoria holding a stack of predatory legal documents. His jaw tightened as he walked down the hallway, the loud sound of his polished shoes making everyone in the room hold their breath.
Arthur: I run this event...
Victoria turned around quickly, her face turning pale as she saw her stepbrother walking straight toward her. Her arrogant smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a look of panic. She tried to quickly hide the legal documents behind her back, but it was far too late. Arthur had already seen everything he needed to see to know what was happening.
Arthur: And you are officially fired!
Arthur's voice boomed through the high-ceilinged hall, echoing off the white crown molding and glass chandeliers. Victoria gasped in disbelief, dropping the papers onto the hardwood floor as Arthur stopped directly in front of her. His dark eyes burned with intense anger, disgusted by her cruel behavior toward his helpless, sick mother.
Victoria: Arthur! You can't fire me! I am family! This maid attacked me first!
Arthur: Shut your mouth, Victoria! I saw exactly what happened here!
Before Victoria could lie any further, Arthur stepped forward with incredible speed. His hand came down in a sharp, loud slap across Victoria's cheek that echoed through the entire grand hall. The blow sent Victoria stumbling back against a nearby wooden table, her jaw dropped in complete and utter shock. The entire crowd of staff and guests gasped loudly, holding their hands over their mouths in absolute amazement at the dramatic beat.
Victoria held her burning red cheek with both hands, tears of embarrassment and shock welling up in her eyes. She looked around the room, hoping someone would take her side, but every single employee and guest glared back at her with disgust. She was completely exposed, stripped of her fake authority and power in front of everyone who worked at the estate.
Arthur: Get out of my house before I call the police and have you arrested for elder abuse and fraud!